SNS-595 and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to SNS-595 and methods of treating cancer using the same.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/080,102, filed Mar. 14, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC § 119, to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/553,578 filed Mar. 15, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

SNS-595 is novel naphthyridine cytotoxic agent that was previously known as AG-7352 (see e.g., Tsuzuki et al., Tetrahedron-Asymmetry 12: 1793-1799 (2001) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,669). The chemical name of SNS-595 is (+)-1,4-dihydro-7-[(3S,4S)-3-methoxy-4-(methylamino)-1-pyrrolidinyl]-4-oxo-1-(2-thiazoyl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid and has the structure shown below

The present invention relates to SNS-595 and methods for maximizing its therapeutic potential to treat cancer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates the three major DNA damage and repair pathways.

FIG. 2 depicts the dose-dependent responses of exemplary members of the DNA-PK pathway in HCT 116 cells treated with SNS-595.

FIG. 3 depicts the activation of exemplary members of the DNA-PK pathway in tumors in mice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Proliferating cells undergo four phases of the cell cycle: G₁, S, G₂, and M. These phases were first identified by observing dividing cells as the cells progressed through DNA synthesis which became known as the synthesis or S phase of the cell cycle and mitosis which became known as the mitotic or M phase or S phase of the cell cycle. The observed gaps in time between the completion of DNA synthesis and mitosis and between mitosis to the next cycle of DNA synthesis became known as the G₁ and G₂ phases respectfully. Non-proliferating cells that retain the ability to proliferate under the appropriate conditions are quiescent or in the G₀ state and are typically characterized as having exited the cell cycle.

The cell cycle has multiple checkpoints to prevent the cells from attempting to progress through the cell cycle under inappropriate circumstances by arresting the cells at these designated points. One important checkpoint occurs before the cell enters the S phase and tests, for example, whether the environment (e.g. sufficient nutrients) is suitable for cell division. Cells that fail a checkpoint in the G₁ phase and are thus prevented from entering the S phase are said to be in G₁ arrest. Another checkpoint occurs before the cell enters the M phase and test for example, the integrity of the synthesized DNA. Cells that fail a checkpoint in the G₂ phase and thus prevented from entering the M phase are said to be in G₂ arrest. Another checkpoint occurs during the M phase immediately before cytokinesis occurs and tests, for example, that the chromosomes are properly aligned. Cells that fail a checkpoint in the M phase and thus are prevented from dividing are said to be in M arrest.

In practice, cell cycle arrest is often characterized by DNA content and not by checkpoint failure. Consequently, the most often reported cell arrests are G₁ arrest based on 2N DNA content and the G₂/M arrest based on 4N DNA content.

SNS-595 is a cell cycle inhibitor and arrests cells at the G₂ interface. Initially, the activity of SNS-595 was believed due to topoisomerase II inhibition. Although SNS-595 is a catalytic inhibitor of topoisomerase II (inhibits decatenation and relaxation of supercoiled DNA with no formation of cleavable complexes) with an IC₅₀ of approximately 5 μM, a dose dependent correlation could not be established between its topoisomerase II activity and its effects in cells. For example, the EC₅₀ in various cells range from 200-300 nM, at least a ten-fold difference in increased potency from the biochemical inhibition of topoisomerase II. Moreover, when topoisomerase II levels in cells were modulated using 2-deoxyglucose (which results in the degradation of the enzyme), essentially no difference in activity was observed between the 2-deoxyglucose treated cells and untreated cells.

The induction of G₂ arrest also does not appear to be the significant contributor to the cytotoxicity of SNS-595. For example, in cells where G₂ arrest is abrogated (by treating with caffeine which inhibits both ATM and ATR), essentially no difference in EC₅₀ values were observed upon treatment with SNS-595 when compared to the cells in the untreated group (not treated with caffeine and where G₂ arrest is observed). As shown by FIG. 1, ATM, ATR, and DNA-PK are three central DNA sensors/effectors that depending on the level of DNA damage that is detected within an individual cell, direct the cell into one of several outcomes including DNA repair, G₂ arrest or apoptosis.

Contrary to its initial characterization, SNS-595 mediates the activation of the DNA-PK pathway which eventually leads to apoptotic cell death. Notably, these events are S-phase specific meaning that they occur only during the S phase of the cell cycle.

Treatment with SNS-595 results in an increase in the number of double-strand DNA breaks that form during the S phase. This damage impedes the ability of the cell to synthesize DNA and lengthens the time the cell spends in the S phase. Once DNA damage is detected in cells, markers for apoptosis rapidly appear. This rapid onset of apoptosis is p73 dependent as shown by a more than 11 fold decrease in SNS-595 sensitivity in p73 null cells as compared to p73 containing cells. Notably, SNS-595 mediated apoptosis is p53 independent. In other words, SNS-595 activity in cells is not related to the cells p53 mutational status. As FIG. 2 exemplifies, the formation of double-strand breaks activates, in a dose dependent manner, the DNA-PK mediated repair and apoptotic cellular machinery including but not limited to: i) DNA-PK expression; ii) H2AX phosphorylation; iii) c-Abl phosphorylation; iv) p53 phosphorylation; v) p73 phosphorylation; vi) p21 expression; vii) caspase-9 activation; and viii) caspase-3 activation. When the DNA damage is sufficiently severe such that the double-strand breaks cannot be repaired through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), the cell rapidly enters apoptosis. Some cells are able to reach the G₂ phase but are subsequently arrested (mediated by cdc2/cyclin B) because the cells are too damaged to enter into the M phase and also eventually becomes apoptotic. Notably, because SNS-595 is S-phase selective, doses of SNS-595 that are cytotoxic to proliferating cells (thus are progressing through the cell cycle including the S phase) are non-lethal to non-proliferating cells.

Consistent with this mechanism, cells with induced resistance to SNS-595 also have alterations in the DNA-PK pathway. For example, a stable variant of HCT-116 cells that is approximately ten fold less sensitive to SNS-595 relative to HCT-116 cells, show for example increased levels of KU70, a protein that is an essential component of the activated DNA-PK complex. Conversely, decreased levels of DNA-PK or its activity (e.g. in the presence of an inhibitor) is associated with an increased sensitivity to SNS-595.

The DNA-PK mediated cytotoxicity of SNS-595 is unusual. Known compounds that also impede DNA synthesis usually act through ATR or through both ATM and DNA-PK. Illustrative examples of ATR mediated cytotoxic compounds include antimetabolites and DNA polymerase inhibitors. Illustrative examples of ATM and DNA-PK mediated cytotoxic compounds include topoisomerase II poisons and anti-neoplastic antibiotics such as bleomycin.

The present invention relates to SNS-595 and using its mechanism of action to maximize its therapeutic potential in treating human cancer.

Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for determining whether a cancer to be treated is likely to respond to SNS-595 treatment and if the treatment is pursued, whether the cancer is responding to SNS-595 treatment. The types of cancers that are suitable for treatment with SNS-595 include but are not limited to: bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer (including colorectal cancer), esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, lung cancer (both small cell and non-small cell), lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, renal cancer, sarcoma (including osteosarcoma), skin cancer (including squamous cell carcinoma), stomach cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and uterine cancer.

The method comprises determining a first amount of at least one member of the DNA-PK pathway in cells of a cancer to be treated and comparing the first amount to a second amount.

When determining whether a cancer is likely to respond to SNS-595 treatment, the first amount is the amount of at least one member of the DNA-PK pathway in cells of a cancer to be treated (pretreatment amount). The second amount is the amount of a member of the DNA-PK pathway in reference cells (reference amount). Suitable reference cells include but are not limited to normal cells derived from the same tissue as the cancer to be treated. For example, if the cancer being treated is ovarian cancer, suitable reference cells include non-cancerous ovarian cells. The reference cells can be derived from the patient to be treated or can be derived from any normal tissue of the same type as the cancer being treated. Alternatively, the amount of any DNA-PK pathway member in HCT116 colon carcinoma cells (that have not been induced to show resistance to SNS-595) generally can be used as the reference amount.

Suitable members of the DNA-PK pathway for the practice of the invention include but are not limited to: DNA-PK; Ku70; Ku80; MRE11, NBS1, RAD50, XRCC4, ligase IV, H2AX, c-Abl, p73, caspase-9 and caspase-3. In one embodiment, the DNA-PK pathway member is DNA-PK. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK member is Ku70. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK pathway member is Ku80. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK pathway member is MRE11. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK pathway member is NBS1. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK pathway member is RAD50. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK pathway member is XRCC4. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK member is ligase IV. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK member is H2AX. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK member is c-Abl. In another embodiment, the DNA-PK member is p73. In yet another embodiment, the DNA-PK member is caspase-9. In yet another embodiment, the DNA-PK member is caspase-3.

The amount of a member of the DNA-PK pathway may be assessed directly such as quantifying the levels of the protein present in the cell. The amount of a particular member also may be assessed indirectly by measuring its corresponding DNA or mRNA levels. Alternatively, the amount of a particular member may also be indirectly measured using activity levels. An activity assay is an indirect measure because its enzymatic activity is being used as a surrogate for the amount of the enzyme. For example, when the member being assessed is a kinase, the amount of the kinase can be indirectly determined by determining the levels of its phosphorylation product (e.g., determine the amount of DNA-PK levels by determining the amount of H2AX phosphorylation levels). In addition to the above, the amounts of a member of the DNA-PK pathway can be assessed using any methods known in the art including immunohistochemistry.

If the pretreatment amount of the DNA-PK pathway member is less or approximately equal to the reference amount, then the cancer is likely to respond favorably to a dose of 10 mg/m²-150 mg/m² of SNS-595. Body surface area (BSA) can be calculated using, for example, the Mosteller formula wherein:

BSA (m²)=square root of [(height (cm)×weight (kg)/3600].

In another embodiment, the dose of SNS-595 used to treat the cancer is 10 mg/m²-100 mg/m².

In another embodiment, the dose of SNS-595 used to treat the cancer is 30 mg/m²-75 mg/m².

In another embodiment, the dose of SNS-595 used to treat the cancer is 40 mg/m²-80 mg/m². In another embodiment, the dose of SNS-595 used to treat the cancer is 50 mg/m²-90 mg/m².

In another embodiment, the dose of SNS-595 used to treat the cancer is 15 mg/m²-80 mg/m².

The administered dose of SNS-595 can be expressed in units other than as mg/m². For example, doses can be expressed as mg/kg. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily know how to convert doses from mg/m² to mg/kg to given either the height or weight of a subject or both (see e.g., http:///www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/animalframe.htm). For example, a dose of 10 mg/m²-150 mg/m² for a 65 kg human is approximately equal to 0.26 mg/kg-3.95 mg/kg. In another example, a dose of 15 mg/m²-80 mg/m² for a 65 kg human is approximately equal to 0.39 mg/kg-2.11 mg/kg.

The administered dose can be delivered simultaneously or over a 24-hour period and may be repeated until the patient experiences stable disease or regression, or until the patient experiences disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. For example, stable disease for solid tumors generally means that the perpendicular diameter of measurable lesions has not increased by 25% or more from the last measurement. See e.g., Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Guidelines, Journal of the National Cancer Institute 92(3): 205-216 (2000). Stable disease or lack there of is determined by methods known in the art such as evaluation of patient symptoms, physical examination, visualization of cancer cells that have been imaged using X-ray, CAT, PET, or NMRI scan and other commonly accepted evaluation modalities.

If the pretreatment amount of the DNA-PK pathway member is more than the reference amount, SNS-595 as a single agent may not be sufficient and a combination therapy that includes SNS-595 should be considered.

When determining whether a cancer is responding to SNS-595 treatment, the first amount is the amount of at least one member of the DNA-PK pathway in cells of the cancer upon treatment with SNS-595 (post-treatment amount). The second amount is the amount of a member of the DNA-PK pathway in reference cells (reference amount). Preferably, the reference amount is the amount of the member of the DNA-PK pathway in cells of the cancer prior to treatment with SNS-595 (pretreatment amount). Other suitable reference cells include but are not limited to normal cells derived from the same tissue as the cancer to be treated. For example, if the cancer being treated is ovarian cancer, than suitable reference cells include non-cancerous ovarian cells. The reference cells can be derived from the patient to be treated or can be derived from any normal tissue of the same type as the cancer being treated. Alternatively, the amount of any DNA-PK pathway member in HCT116 colon carcinoma cells (that have not been induced to show resistance to SNS-595) generally can be used as the reference amount.

If the post-treatment amount is more than the reference amount then the cancer is responding favorably and treatment with SNS-595 (either as a single agent or as part of a combination) should continue.

In another aspect of the present invention, the mechanism of SNS-595 is used to provide combinations that maximize the therapeutic potential of SNS-595. In one embodiment, a combination is provided comprising:

-   -   a) a therapeutically effective amount of SNS-595 and     -   b) a therapeutically effective amount of a second agent that is         capable of impeding DNA synthesis.

In contrast to the general rule that drugs with different mechanism of actions be selected to maximize the likelihood for additivity or synergy (see e.g., Page, R. and Takimoto, C., “Principles of Chemotherapy”, Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach (2001), p. 23), combinations comprising SNS-595 and a second agent that also impedes DNA synthesis were found to be additive or synergistic.

As used herein, an agent impedes DNA synthesis when it directly or indirectly affects a cell's ability to synthesize DNA or to repair DNA damage. The agent can directly interact with DNA (e.g., bind to or intercalate with) or it can bind to a DNA-binding protein that is involved in DNA synthesis or DNA repair. In general, an agent that impedes DNA synthesis is active during the S phase but need not be S phase specific.

Suitable second agents include another agent that also mediates its cytotoxicity through the DNA-PK pathway. One example is an agent that inhibits nonhomologus endjoining repair such as DNA-PK inhibitors. As used herein, a DNA-PK pathway inhibitor is an agent that inhibits a signaling pathway mediated by DNA-PK. The inhibition of the activity of DNA-PK may be direct such as a catalytic inhibitor of DNA-PK itself or it may be indirect such as an agent that interferes with the formation of the active DNA-PK complex comprising DNA-PK, Ku70 and Ku80. Other examples of agents that mediate its cytotoxicity through the DNA-PK pathway include ligase IV inhibitors as well as apoptosis enhancing agents such as caspase-9 activators, caspase-3 activators and Hsp90 inhibitors.

Other examples of agents that impede DNA synthesis include other anti-cancer agents such as: alkylating agents, anti-neoplastic antibiotics, anti-metabolites, platinum coordination complexes, topoisomerase II inhibitors, and radiation. Standard doses and dosing regiments for these types of compounds are known (see e.g., The Physician's Desk Reference, Medical Economics Company, Inc. Montvale, N.J., 59th Ed. (2005)). However, for the purposes of illustration, several examples are provided below.

Alkylating agents are non-phase specific anti-cancer agents and strong electrophiles. Typically, alkylating agents form covalent linkages by alkylating DNA moieties such as phosphate, amino, sulfhydryl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and imidazole groups. Examples of alkylating agents include but are not limited to: alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan; nitrogen mustards such as chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide and melphalan; nitrosoureas such as carmustine; and triazenes such as dacarbazine.

Anti-neoplastic antibiotics are generally non-phase specific anti-cancer agents that bind to or intercalate with DNA. Typically, such action results in stable DNA complexes or strand breakage. Examples of antibiotic anti-cancer agents include but are not limited to bleomycin, dactinomycin, daunorubicin and doxorubicin.

Anti-metabolite agents act at S or DNA synthesis phase of the cell cycle by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA or an intermediate thereof. Because S phase does not proceed, cell death follows. Illustrative examples of anti-metabolites include but are not limited to folate analogs, purine analogs, adenosine analogs, pyrimidine analogs, and substituted ureas. An example of a folate analog includes methotrexate and pemetrexed. Examples of purine analogs include mercatopurine and thioguanidine. Examples of adenosine analogs include cladribine and pentostatin. Examples of pyrimidine analogs include cytarabine, capecitabline, and fluorouracil.

Platinum coordination complexes are non-phase specific anti-cancer agents that interact with DNA. The platinum complexes enter tumor cells and form intra- and inter-strand cross links with DNA. The accumulation of DNA damage in such cells eventually results in cell death. Examples of platinum coordination complexes include but are not limited to carboplatin, cisplatin and oxaliplatin.

Topoisomerase II inhibitors typically affect cells in the G₂ phase of the cell cycle by forming a ternary complex with topoisomerase and DNA. For example, topoisomerase II poisons result in an accumulation of DNA strand breaks that eventually lead to cell death. Examples of topoisomerase II inhibitors include but are not limited to epipodophyllotoxins such as etoposide and teniposide.

In one embodiment, the second agent is an alkylating agent. In another embodiment, the alkylating agent is an alkyl sulfonate and the cancer being treated is leukemia or lymphoma. In another embodiment, the alkyl sulfonate is busulfan. In another embodiment, the alkyl sulfonate is busulfan and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily dose of at least 1 mg. In another embodiment, the alkyl sulfonate is busulfan and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of between about 2 mg and 8 mg. In another embodiment, the alkyl sulfonate is busulfan and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of between about 1 mg and about 3 mg.

In another embodiment, the alkylating agent is a nitrogen mustard and the cancer being treated is bladder cancer, breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, lung cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, or testicular cancer. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is chlorambucil. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is chlorambucil and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 0.1 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is chlorambucil and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of between about 0.1 mg/kg and about 0.2 mg/kg for three to six weeks. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is chlorambucil and the therapeutically effective amount is a dose of 0.4 mg/kg every three to four weeks. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is cyclophosphamide. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is cyclophosphamide and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of at least 10 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is cyclophosphamide and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose between about 10 mg/kg and about 15 mg/kg every seven to ten days. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is cyclophosphamide and the therapeutically effective amount is an oral daily dose between about 1 mg/kg and about 5 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is melphalan. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is melphalan and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of at least 2 mg. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is melphalan and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of 6 mg for two to three weeks, no melphalan for two to four weeks and then a daily oral dose of between about 2 mg and about 4 mg. In another embodiment, the nitrogen mustard is melphalan and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of 10 mg/m² for four days every four to six weeks.

In another embodiment, the alkylating agent is a nitrosourea and the cancer being treated is brain tumor, colorectal cancer, Hodgkin's disease, liver cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma. In another embodiment, the nitrosourea is carmustine. In another embodiment, the nitrosourea is carmustine and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 150 Mg/m 2. In another embodiment, the nitrosourea is carmustine and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose between about 150 mg/m² and 200 mg/m² every six to eight weeks.

In another embodiment, the alkylating agent is a triazene and the cancer being treated is Hodgkin's disease, melanoma, neuroblastoma, or soft tissue sarcoma. In another embodiment, the triazene is dacarbazine. In another embodiment, the triazene is dacarbazine and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of between about 2.0 mg/kg and about 4.5 mg/kg for ten days every four weeks. In another embodiment, the triazene is dacarbazine and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of 250 mg/m² for five days every three weeks. In another embodiment, the triazene is dacarbazine and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 375 mg/m² every sixteen days. In another embodiment, the triazene is dacarbazine and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 150 mg/m² for five days every four weeks.

In another embodiment, the second agent is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic and the cancer being treated is bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, sarcoma, skin cancer, testicular cancer, or thyroid cancer. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is bleomycin. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is bleomycin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 10 units/m². In another embodiment, the antibiotic is bleomycin and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular dose of between about 10 units/m² and about 20 units/m² weekly or twice weekly. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is dactinomycin. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is dactinomycin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 0.01 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is dactinomycin and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of between about 0.010 mg/kg and about 0.015 mg/kg for five days every three weeks. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is dactinomycin and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 2 mg/m² every three or four weeks. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is daunorubicin. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is daunorubicin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 30 mg/m². In another embodiment, the antibiotic is daunorubicin and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of between about 30 mg/m² and about 45 mg/m² for three days. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is a liposomal preparation of daunorubicin and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 40 mg/m² every two weeks. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is doxorubicin. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is doxorubicin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 15 mg/m². In another embodiment, the antibiotic is doxorubicin and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of between about 60 mg/m² and about 90 mg/m² every three weeks. In another embodiment, the antibiotic is doxorubicin and the therapeutically effective amount is a weekly intravenous dose of between about 15 mg/m² and about 20 mg/m². In another embodiment, the antibiotic is doxorubicin and the therapeutically effective amount is a cycle comprising a weekly intravenous dose of 30 mg/m² for two weeks followed by two weeks of no doxorubicin.

In another embodiment, the second agent is an anti-metabolite. In another embodiment, the anti-metabolite is a folate analog and the cancer being treated is breast cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or osteosarcoma. In another embodiment, the folate analog is methotrexate. In another embodiment, the folate analog is methotrexate and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 2.5 mg. In another embodiment, the folate analog is methotrexate and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of between about 2.5 mg and about 5 mg. In another embodiment, the folate analog is methotrexate and the therapeutically effective amount is a twice-weekly dose of between about 5 mg/m² and about 25 mg/m². In another embodiment, the folate analog is methotrexate and the therapeutically effective amount is a weekly intravenous dose of 50 mg/m² every two to three weeks. In another embodiment, the folate analog is pemetrexed. In another embodiment, the folate analog is pemetrexed and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 300 mg/m². In another embodiment, the folate analog is pemetrexed and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of between about 300 mg/m² and about 600 mg/m² every two or three weeks. In another embodiment, the folate analog is pemetrexed and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 500 mg/m² every three weeks.

In another embodiment, the anti-metabolite is a purine analog and the cancer being treated is colorectal cancer, leukemia, or myeloma. In another embodiment, the purine analog is mercaptopurine. In another embodiment, the purine analog is mercaptopurine and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 1.5 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the purine analog is mercaptopurine and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of between about 1.5 mg/kg and about 5 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the purine analog is thioguanidine. In another embodiment, the purine analog is thioguanidine and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 2 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the purine analog is thioguanidine and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of between about 2 mg/kg and about 3 mg/kg.

In another embodiment, the anti-metabolite is an adenosine analog and the cancer being treated is leukemia or lymphoma. In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is cladribine. In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is cladribine and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 0.09 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is cladribine and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of 0.09 mg/kg for seven days. In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is cladribine and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of 4 mg/m² for seven days. In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is pentostatin. In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is pentostatin and the therapeutically effective amount is 4 mg/m². In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is pentostatin and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 4 mg/m² every other week. In another embodiment, the adenosine analog is pentostatin and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 4 mg/m² every three weeks.

In another embodiment, the anti-metabolite is a pyrimidine analog and the cancer being treated is bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, or stomach cancer. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is cytarabine. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is cytarabine and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 100 mg/m². In another embodiment the pyrimidine analog is cytarabine and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of 100 mg/m² for seven days. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is capecitabine. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is capecitabine and the therapeutically effective amount is at least a daily dose of 2000 mg/m². In another embodiment, they pyrimidine analog is capecitabine and the therapeutically effective amount is a twice-daily oral dose of between about 1200 mg/m² and about 1300 mg/m² for 14 days. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is capecitabine and the therapeutically effective amount is a three-week cycle wherein a twice-daily dose of about 1250 mg/m² is given for fourteen days followed by one week of rest. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is fluorouracil. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is fluorouracil and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 10 mg/kg. In another example, the pyrimidine analog is fluorouracil and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of between about 300 mg/m² and about 500 mg/m² for at least three days. In another example, the pyrimidine analog is fluorouracil and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of 12 mg/kg for three to five days. In another embodiment, the pyrimidine analog is fluorouracil and the therapeutically effective amount is a weekly intravenous dose of between about 10 mg/kg and about 15 mg/kg.

In another embodiment, the anti-metabolite is a substituted urea and the cancer being treated is head and neck cancer, leukemia, melanoma, or ovarian cancer. In another embodiment, the substituted urea is hydroxyurea. In another embodiment, the substituted urea is hydroxyurea and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 20 mg/kg. In another embodiment, the substituted urea is hydroxyurea and the therapeutically effective amount is an oral dose of 80 mg/kg every three days. In another embodiment, the substituted urea is hydroxyurea and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily oral dose of between about 20 mg/kg and about 30 mg/kg.

In another embodiment, the second agent is a platinum coordination complex and the cancer being treated is bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, sarcoma, testicular cancer, or uterine cancer. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is carboplatin. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is carboplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 300 mg/m². In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is carboplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 300 mg/m² every four weeks. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is carboplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is 300 mg/m² every four weeks. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is carboplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 360 mg/m² every four weeks. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is cisplatin. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is cisplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 20 mg/m². In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is cisplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily intravenous dose of 20 mg/m² for four to five days every three to four weeks. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is cisplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of 50 mg/m² every three weeks. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is oxaliplatin. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is oxaliplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 75 mg/m². In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is oxaliplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is between about 50 mg/m² and about 100 mg/m². In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is oxaliplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is an IV infusion of between about 50 mg/m² and about 100 mg/m² every two weeks. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is oxaliplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is an IV infusion of between about 80 mg/m² and about 90 mg/m² every two weeks. In another embodiment, the platinum coordination complex is oxaliplatin and the therapeutically effective amount is a two-hour IV infusion of 85 mg/m² every two weeks.

In another embodiment, the second agent is a topoisomerase II inhibitor and the cancer being treated is Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, small cell lung cancer, sarcoma, or testicular cancer. In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is etoposide. In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is etoposide and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 35 mg/m². In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is etoposide and the therapeutically effective amount is between about 50 mg/m² and about 100 mg/m². In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is etoposide and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of between about 35 mg/m² and about 50 mg/m² a day at least three times in five days every three or four weeks. In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is etoposide and the therapeutically effective amount is an intravenous dose of between about 50 mg/m² and about 100 mg/m² a day at least three times in five days every three or four weeks. In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is etoposide and the therapeutically effective amount is an oral dose of 100 mg/m² a day at least three times in five days every three or four weeks. In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is teniposide. In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is teniposide and the therapeutically effective amount is at least 20 mg/m². In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is teniposide and the therapeutically effective amount is a weekly dose of 100 mg/m². In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is teniposide and the therapeutically effective amount is a twice weekly dose of 100 mg/m². In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is teniposide and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily dose of between about 20 mg/m² and about 60 mg/m² for five days. In another embodiment, the topoisomerase II inhibitor is teniposide and the therapeutically effective amount is a daily dose of between about 80 mg/m² and about 90 mg/m² for five days.

All cited references are incorporated herein by reference.

EXAMPLE 1

Pharmaceutical Composition Suitable for Injection or Intravenous Infusion

Acidic compositions (<pH 4) provided the appropriate balance of increased solubility of SNS-595 and desirable pharmaceutical properties (e.g. increased patient comfort by causing less irritation at the delivery site). An illustrative example of a suitable composition comprises: 10 mg SNS-595 per mL of aqueous solution of 4.5% sorbitol that is adjusted to pH 2.5 with methanesulfonic acid. One protocol for making such a solution includes the following for making a 100 mg/10 mL presentation: 100 mg of SNS-595 and 450 mg D-sorbitol are added to distilled water; the volume is brought up to a volume of 10 mL; and the pH of the resulting solution is adjusted to 2.5 with methanesulfonic acid. The resulting composition is also suitable for lyophilization. The lyophilized form is then reconstituted with sterile water to the appropriate concentration prior to use.

EXAMPLE 2

Pharmacokinetics of SNS-595 in Cancer Patients

SNS-595 was administered to enrolled patients for up to six cycles. A cycle is defined as a three-week period, with SNS-595 administered on the first day of each cycle (day 0), followed by at least 21 days of observation. SNS-595 was administered to cohorts of at least 3 patients and dose escalation occurred by sequential cohort. Doses of SNS-595 were linear with AUC ∞ and its pharmacokinetic properties were remarkably consistent among patients in the same cohort. Table 1 shows the pharmacokinetic parameters derived from the patients' plasma concentrations of SNS-595 over time. TABLE 1 Dose Cmax AUClast AUCINF_obs CI_obs Vz_obs Vss_obs MRTINF_obs (mg/m2) HL (hr) C0 (ng/mL) (ng/mL) (hr*ng/mL) (hr*ng/mL) (mL/min/kg) (L/kg) (L/kg) (hr) 3 16.27 152.25 138.80 750.08 1139.55 1.14 1.55 1.44 21.96 SD 4.871 82.282 80.566 87.622 263 0.318 0.297 0.277 6.836 6 20.69 376.69 347.00 2400.00 2990.29 0.71 1.28 1.24 29.05 SD 0.327 243.598 214.96 170.556 245.64 0.153 0.295 0.218 1.15 12 17.81 2888.66 2246.67 5395.53 6329.15 0.76 1.17 1.07 23.67 SD 3.896 1302.71 1065.145 292.281 181.804 0.126 0.258 0.184 5.021 24 16.14 2924.48 2703.33 11133.03 12655.32 0.83 1.15 1.06 21.65 SD 2.601 2884.702 2573.02 468.453 851.458 0.108 0.124 0.165 5.261 48 21.32 1984.52 2868.00 21098.53 27347.36 0.99 1.57 1.46 28.90 SD 6.32 189.677 2379.899 9405.346 14382.787 0.616 0.567 0.47 8.91 60 17.63 4797.47 4537.50 28112.17 33616.18 0.83 1.20 1.08 23.71 SD 4.15 2215.20 1947.89 9127.12 13081.44 0.352 0.37 0.218 6.93

EXAMPLE 3

Pharmacodynamic Studies

Nu/nu mice (ca. 25 grams) were injected with HCT116 cells (which were obtained from the ATCC) in the hind flank at 5 million cells with 50% matrigel (Becton-Dickinson). Tumors were allowed to grow to 400 mm³. Xenograft bearing animals were then given either an IV bolus injection of SNS-595 (20 or 40 mg/kg) in the tail vein or a saline vehicle. At prescribed time points (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours post dose), animals were anesthetized with CO₂, blood was taken via terminal cardiac puncture, and animals were sacrificed. Tumors were excised, pulverized using liquid nitrogen-cooled mortar and pestle, and flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen. Tumor lysates were made from pulverized samples by addition of lysis buffer.

The protein concentrations of the DNA-PK pathway members were determined by Western blots. Approximately 25 micrograms of protein was loaded per lane on an SDS-PAGE gel. Proteins were separated by gel electrophoresis, blotted onto nitrocellulose membranes, and detected using the following antibodies: H2AX, phosphorylated at S139 (Cell Signaling, catalog no. 2577L); p53, phosphorylated at S15 (Cell Signaling, catalog no. 9284S); p53, phosphorylated at S37 (Cell Signaling, catalog no. 9289S); p21 (Cell Signaling, catalog no. 2946); cdc2, phosphorylated at Y15 (Calbiochem, catalog no. 219437); cyclin B (Santa Cruz, catalog no. sc-594 (H-20)); p73, phosphorylated at Y99 (Cell Signaling, catalog no. 4665L); cAb1, phosphorylated at T735 (Cell Signaling, catalog no. 2864S); and CHK1, phosphorylated at S317 (Cell Signaling, catalog no. 2344L).

FIG. 3 shows the levels of exemplary members of the DNA-PK pathway that were activated in tumors upon treatment with SNS-595.

EXAMPLE 4

Combination Studies with SNS-595

HCT116 cells were plated at a density of approximately 4e⁵ cells/well with 100 μl/well of RPMI-1640 media (supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% antibiotic/antimycotic and 1.5% sodium bicarbonate) in a 96-well clear tissue culture treated plate for 24 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂. SNS-595 was then added to a final concentration between 5 μM and 5 nM either alone or mixed with another cytotoxic compound at a constant ratio. The final DMSO concentration was 1% in the assay plate. The treated cells were incubated for 72 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂ before adding 20 μl/well 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) for 1 hour followed by 100 μl/well N,N-dimethyl formamide/SDS lysis buffer for at least 16 hours. The plates were read for absorbance at a wavelength of 595 nm. The data was worked up using the median-effect method that quantifies the interaction using a Combination Index (calculated using the software for dose effect analysis, Calcusyn V2(Biosoft). A combination is said to be additive if it yields a Combination Index of 0.90-1.10. A combination is said to be synergistic if it yields a Combination Index less than 0.90 and a combination is said to be antagonistic if it yields a Combination Index of more than 1.10. All Combination Index calculations were at a Fa value of 0.5, the point where 50% of the cells were dead. TABLE 1 Combination Index Compound Mechanism @ Fa = 0.5 Etoposide Topoisomerase II inhibitor 0.44 Daunomycin Topoisomerase II inhibitor 0.48 5-FU Antimetabolite/purimidine 0.39 analog Cytarabine Antimetabolite/pyrimidine 0.61 antagonist Methotrexate Antimetabolite/anti-folate 0.64 Cisplatin Platinum coordination 0.54 complex Carboplatin Platinum coordination 0.54 complex Mitomycin C Antibiotic/DNA alkylator 0.63 Actinomycin D Antibiotic/DNA intercalator 0.47 Geldanamycin Hsp90 inhibitor 0.47 Wortmannin DNA-PK inhibitor 0.42 Olomucine CDK inhibitor 1.00 Roscovitine CDK inhibitor 1.10 Docetaxel Microtubule stabilizing agent 2.00

EXAMPLE 5

HCT-116 colon cancer cells were plated at a density of approximately 4e5 cells/well with 100 μl/well of RPMI-1640 media (supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% antibiotic/antimycotic, and 1.5% sodium bicarbonate) in a 96-well clear tissue-culture treated plate for 24 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂. Some cells were treated with 100 nM wortmannin for 8-16 hours. SNS-595 was then added as a serial dilution, and cells were incubated for 72 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂. MTT (20 μl/well of a 5 mg/ml stock solution) was added for 1 hour, followed by N,N-dimethyl formamide/SDS lysis buffer for at least 16 hours. Absorbance was monitored at 595 nm and data were fit by nonlinear regression to determine the inhibition of cell growth (IC₅₀) by SNS-595 in the absence and presence of wortmannin. The IC₅₀ for SNS-595 in HCT-116 cells was 3-6 fold lower in the presence of wortmannin than in its absence. Similar results were seen when DNA-PK null cell line (approximately a 10 fold sensitization) was used instead of HCT-116 cells. 

1. A method for determining whether a cancer to be treated will respond SNS-595 treatment comprising determining a first amount of at least one member of the DNA-PK pathway in cells of the cancer to be treated and comparing the first amount to a second amount.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first amount is the pretreatment amount and the second amount is the amount of the member of the DNA-PK pathway in normal cells derived from the same tissue as the cancer to be treated.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the member of the DNA-PK pathway is selected from DNA-PK, Ku70, Ku80, MRE11, NBS 1, RAD50, XRCC4, ligase IV, H2AX, c-Abl, p73, caspase-9 and caspase-3.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first amount is the pretreatment amount and the second amount is the post-treatment amount.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the member of the DNA-PK pathway is selected from DNA-PK, Ku70, Ku80, MRE11, NBS1, RAD50, XRCC4, ligase IV, H2AX, c-Abl, p73, caspase-9 and caspase-3.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein the member of the DNA-PK pathway is DNA-PK.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein the member of the DNA-PK pathway is Ku70.
 8. The method of claim 4 wherein the member of the DNA-PK pathway is Ku80.
 9. The method of claim 4 wherein the member of the DNA-PK pathway is p73.
 10. A combination for cancer treatment comprising: a) a therapeutically effective amount of SNS-595 and b) a therapeutically effective amount of a second agent whose cytotoxicity is also mediated through the DNA-PK pathway.
 11. The combination of claim 10 wherein the second agent is an agent that inhibits nonhomologous endjoining repair.
 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein the second agent is a DNA-PK inhibitor.
 13. The combination of claim 11 wherein the second agent is a ligase IV inhibitor.
 14. The combination of claim 10 wherein the second agent is an apoptosis enhancing agent.
 15. The combination of claim 14 wherein the second agent is a caspase-9 activator.
 16. The combination of claim 14 wherein the second agent is a caspase-3 activator.
 17. The combination of claim 14 wherein the second agent is a Hsp90 inhibitor.
 18. A combination comprising: a) a therapeutically effective amount of SNS-595 and b) a therapeutically effective amount of a second agent that is capable of impeding DNA synthesis.
 19. The combination of claim 18 wherein the second agent is an alkylating agent.
 20. The combination of claim 19 wherein the alkylating agent is a nitrogen mustard, alkyl sulfonate, nitrosourea, or a triazene.
 21. The combination of claim 18 wherein the second agent is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic.
 22. The combination of claim 18 wherein the second agent is an anti-metabolite.
 23. The combination of claim 22 wherein the antimetabolite is a folate analog, purine analog, adenosine analog, pyrimidine analog or hydroxyurea.
 24. The combination of claim 18 wherein the second agent is a platinum coordination complex.
 25. The combination of claim 18 wherein the second agent is a topoisomerase II inhibitor.
 26. The combination of claim 18 wherein the second agent is radiation. 